The 3.0-litre powerplant from the M3 now sees an upgrade with the Competition Package, increasing output by 10 hp, raising it to 460 hp – making it capable of a 3.9 second 0 to 100 km/h time. Top speed is now electronically-limited to 280 km/h, with the standard M Driver’s Package.

The M3 gets a new, red start-stop button, which awakes the engine to a distinctive exhaust note from a specifically-tuned sports exhaust system – with a quartet of tailpipes.

The new M3 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic and a separate oil cooler. The suspension on the M3 CS is largely similar to that of the M3 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made of forged aluminium which are extremely light.

The M3 CS is fitted with Adaptive M suspension along with M Dynamic Mode and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M3 CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering.

On the outside, the M3 CS comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the front and a 20-inch pair at the rear fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. At the front features a front apron with large, three-section air intakes while at the back, a Gurney spoiler on the boot lid has been designed specifically for the M3 CS which teams up with the front splitter and the rear diffuser to help minimise lift.

These items, along with the roof and bonnet, are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) which are extremely lightweight and rigid. Inside, the M3 CS features a generous use of two-tone full leather in Silverstone/Black and Alcantara.

The special-edition model which will be limited to a run of approximately 1,200 units due to production factors – will be built from March 2018.

Regularly spend countless hours online looking at cars and parts I can't afford to buy. How a car makes you feel behind the wheel should be more important than the brand it represents - unless resale value is your thing.